Hilda Jean Karcher, Lake Geneva, WI (1928-2013)

Hilda Jean Karcher, 85, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at Village Glen Assisted Living Center in Lake Geneva, WI. Hilda Jean was born Feb. 4, 1928, in Manitoba, Canada, to the late Allen J. and Hulda (Cassabaum) Bailey. When Hilda was six, her parents returned to the Lake Geneva area. She graduated from Lake Geneva High School in 1946. On Sept. 10, 1949, in Zenda, WI, she was united in marriage to Franklin Charles Karcher.

Hilda loved gardening, producing gorgeous flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables. She was an avid needle worker, making many attractive crafts. She found great joy reading to her daughters when they were young and, then, to her three grandchildren. She was a kind, gentle woman who will be greatly missed.

Hilda is survived by her two daughters, Susan Karcher (spouse James Mullen, Sr.) of West Lafayette, IN, and Barbara Karcher of Lake Geneva, WI; and three grandchildren: Matthew Gelvin, Brandon Gelvin, and Sarah Gelvin. Her parents and her husband of 62 years, Franklin, preceded her in death.

Services will be held on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at 11 a.m. in the CHAPEL OF THE DERRICK FUNERAL HOME, 800 Park Dr., Lake Geneva, WI. Burial will follow in Cobblestone Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 5, from 2 until 4 p.m. at the FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to: A Day in Time, Inc. (Adult Memory Care and Respite Program) 1229 Park Row, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Phone: 262-248-2922.